How have other parents dealt with daughters with thick dark hair on their legs?

Question

My daughter is 9 and recently her (already dark) hair on her legs has gotten quite course and darkened. We tried bleaching the hair but it turned red! It is still quite obvious and the poor little thing is getting teased about it at school and is quite upset.

She is at the beginning of puberty, so I want to be able to set her up with something she can maintain throughout her teen years without treating her like a teenager.

Man! I know that sounds confusing, but I don't know how else to explain it. To be honest I'm slightly freaking out! haha! She seems so young, but I was only a year older when I started menstruating!

I'm not really pro shaving at this age, and although I don't want my daughter to be hung up on outward appearances, I also don't want her to be subjected to teasing just because she is too young to shave her legs.

Anyone got some good advice for me?

Answer 1

Try Nair - no shaver needed. This is a much safer way for such a young girl to do her legs. And really dont worry about it coming in thicker or darker she will shave them now until she is too old to care anymore.

Answer 2

if u decide to get nair or veet get veet nair gives most people a rash and make u itch 4 hours after shaving,but u should let her shave i started when i was nine.well good luck:)

Answer 3

Nair and Veet are easier than shaving, but there's a huge possibility that it will irritate her skin. I used Veet for a year or so, and then one time it randomly gave me a very painful rash on my legs. Just stick to shaving and teach her how to do it correctly. Use soap and a new razor, not one that's dull.

Answer 4

You have to let her shave her legs. I went through the SAME thing. My daughter begged me for a long time to shave and i kept saying NO. I said she was to young. Nine at the time. Finally we sat down and she said the kids REALLY teased her at school. I went  and bought her everything she needed and supervised her. She was so relieved! Unfortunately the kids are growing up faster these days so we need to "BE THERE" for our kids. Parenting is hard, i understand. Good Luck :)

Answer 5

She's getting made fun of, and you don't seem to give a ****.  People like you disgust me.  You should be shaving her legs for her and then once she's a little older you can let her start doing it herself.  Act like a mother and care about your child's feelings.

Answer 6

I have six girls, I would show her how to shave. As much as we don't want to have our babies grow up they do. I had to let my ten year old start shaving at nine because she is half Korean and her leg hair was thick and dark and she was getting made fun of at school and her self esteem was getting low. I would show her if I were you plus you get in some extra bonding time and she will feel comfortable coming to you with other questions. The reality is that it looks better and she will feel better about her self, wouldn't you. Good luck on what ever you choose because ultimately it is up to you mom:)

Answer 7

I don't understand what the big deal is about shaving. Why would you think it's fine to use chemicals on her legs but not shave them? The issue is whether she's too young to be doing that sort of personal appearance alteration, surely, not HOW she hides or gets rid of the hair?

I'd just let her (or help her) shave. Dead easy and no chemicals.

Answer 8

I would try the new stuff they have, not real razzers and the hair remover. That way she gets the practice without the cuts. If she's getting made fun of ten you want her to be able to feel good about herself.

Answer 9

We went through this with my oldest and like you I wasn't keen on the thought of her shaving at 9 so instead we went with the Nair.  I know she is young but if she is already hitting puberty then she might as well start dealing with it all from this age or as she gets older she will be left in the dark about things.

Answer 10

let her shave girls are starting puberty younger and younger now a days

Answer 11

Nair.

I use it myself because I hate to shave. No blades, no cuts and it's pretty good for days.

I started shaving long before my mother was ready. Puberty doesn't ask permission. Don't let her learn about menstruation, the hard way. That's embarrassing and kids can be cruel.

Answer 12

I don't understand how you can be pro bleaching but not pro shaving.  Bleaching (using chemicals on your skin) seems like far more a mature thing to do than shaving.  I had really thick dark hair and fair skin, and my mom let me shave as soon as it became an issue for me.  I want to say I was like 6 or 7 when I first started.  Nine isn't too young to shave- it's not like it's really all that dangerous, and it's not like it's going to make her more promiscuous or anything.  It's just getting rid of unwanted hair.  It's not worth letting her get teased over when it's something she'll soon be doing anyway.  Let her shave.

Answer 13

i could see what you mean, the fact that we all know how it is to be teased. i know what your daughter is going through because i was teased about my arms, i am light skined with black hairs, but i just went off alone and shaved them. i dont really know what to suggest but to shave or wax? but waxing would hurt her a lot haha. i hope for the best and hopefully you could figure something out. let her knows that she's not alone. good luck!

Answer 14

If it's bothering her, get her some nair... My daughter is the same age and the legs on her hair is starting to bother her a little. I've told her when she's ready, and if its REALLY bothering her, we'll remove it. My only issue is knowing that once you start removing  it, you have to keep it up! I'm teaching her how to shave her armpits today....she has a few under there too. I know exactly what you're feeling...they DO seem so young but...there it is. They're growing up on us! I know when I was growing up, my father equated leg shaving with s*x. I thought it was ridiculous then and I still do now. I think how they feel about themselves is more important. Girls at this age develop at different rates and it looks like yours is just blooming a little early. Don't stress too much, I'm sure we'll have bigger things to worry about in the coming years (God help us all..lol) You should feel better knowing that you're not alone, we're all freaking out a little! Good luck :)

Answer 15

If you are worried about her cutting herself get her an electric shaver.  But for her self-esteem let her not be teased anymore.

Answer 16

I would try waxing. If you shave it, it may get alot thicker.

Answer 17

Veet/Nair causes irritation and/or doesn't take off all of the hair; so she'llbe left with some nasty patches/pieces.

Just let her shave it! Buy her Skintimate (I've been using it since I was 9, I've cut myself maybe twice), a nice razor, and teach her how to shave! She will appreciate it very much, and you'll look like the coolest mom ever to her friends ;]

Answer 18

My sister is 13, and my mom let her use the hair removal cream.  Easy enough for her to do on her own, without the risk of shaving.  And if it's something you're gonna let her keep up on, why worry about how it's gonna grow back in?